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Sustainable Living with Seaweed Insulation and Recyclable Materials

Authors:
Vasiliki Geropanta, Anna Karagianni, Anastasia Karaspiliou
Sustainable Living with Seaweed Insulation and Recyclable Materials
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Constructed using seaweed insulation and locally sourced recyclable plastics, this microhome prioritizes energy efficiency and sustainability while serving as a model for modern coastal living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced recyclable plastics to combat coastal corrosion.
02
Incorporates seaweed as insulation, enhancing thermal performance and biodegradability.
03
Features a vertical aquaponic system that tracks the sun for optimal light exposure.
04
Designed to adapt living spaces through movable seaweed panels.
05
Promotes self-sufficiency by integrating food production within the living environment.

The Sea-wheel House is located on the island of Crete in Greece, designed to tackle current environmental issues through thoughtful architecture. The microhome focuses on reducing its carbon footprint by using materials sourced from the local area. Its functional design reflects values of sustainability, community, and flexibility, offering a solution for modern living in coastal environments.

Material Choice

The materials selected for the Sea-wheel House aim to lessen the ecological impact while ensuring durability. Recyclable plastics from the nearby beaches form the main structure of the building. This material choice addresses the problem of facade corrosion caused by salty sea air, which is a common concern for structures near the coast. Seaweed, used as insulation, not only provides effective thermal management but is also biodegradable, supporting the goal of sustainability in construction.

Interior Layout

The layout of the Sea-wheel House features adaptable spaces that serve various functions. A notable element is the wall with a vertical aquaponic system that moves with the sun. This arrangement optimizes natural light and contributes positively to the indoor environment by supporting the natural rhythms of the residents. The design includes both communal and private areas, such as a convertible bed-sofa at the front, ensuring comfort and practicality.

Sustainable Aspects

Key sustainable features of the Sea-wheel House include sloping glass solar panels and movable seaweed panels. The solar panels enhance energy efficiency by effectively capturing sunlight for energy needs. The movable seaweed panels can also be adjusted, allowing for varied space configurations and even creating outdoor seating. This flexibility helps residents engage more with their surroundings, promoting a lifestyle that values sustainability and interaction with nature.

Distinctive Feature

A remarkable aspect of the Sea-wheel House is the aquaponic system, providing fresh produce for occupants while also helping to regulate indoor temperatures during colder months. Its integration into the living space allows for interaction with the garden, fostering a connection to nature. This emphasis on blending living areas with natural elements creates a unique experience, encouraging self-sufficiency and enhancing everyday life.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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